Abstract: Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising one or more disks; an actuator system configured to position a selected head among one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface among the one or more disks; and one or more processing devices. The selected head comprises a write element, an assistive energy emitter, an energizing interface coupled to the assistive energy emitter, and a detector. The assistive energy emitter is driven separately from driving of the write element. The one or more processing devices are configured to detect, via the detector, an energy anomaly at the energizing interface; detect, in response to detecting the energy anomaly, whether a previously written track yields an anomalous readback signal; and rewrite, in response to detecting that the previously written track yields an anomalous readback signal, data designated for the previously written track to the previously written track.

Abstract: A rope swinging device includes a strap attached to an optional handgrip, and a clamp attached to the strap. The clamp may be attached to a rope that is swung by a user.

Abstract: A rope swinging device includes a strap attached to an optional handgrip, and a clamp attached to the strap. The clamp may be attached to a rope that is swung by a user.

Abstract: A method of using a weight holding device includes the steps of positioning the strap behind a bar, wherein the handgrip is positioned opposite the strap-separating component, and the strap is suspended from the handgrip, raising the lowest portion of the strap, bringing the handgrip through the raised portion of the strap, and pulling the handgrip upwards so that the strap tightens around the bar.

Abstract: A method of using a weight holding device includes the steps of positioning the strap behind a bar, wherein the handgrip is positioned opposite the strap-separating component, and the strap is suspended from the handgrip, raising the lowest portion of the strap, bringing the handgrip through the raised portion of the strap, and pulling the handgrip upwards so that the strap tightens around the bar.

Abstract: A weight holding device includes a strap and a strap-separating component attached to the strap. The strap-separating component maintains a separation between two portions of said strap when a weight is suspended from said weight holding device. An optional handgrip may be included.

Abstract: A single-reel zonal lacing system comprises a reel mechanism fixed to the upper, for example, the cuff or the tongue, and a separate cable for each zone. In a two-zone embodiment, a first cable engages the reel and extends across the elongate opening at least twice, and engages a multi-position retainer at an intermediate location. A second cable engages the reel and also extends across the elongate opening in at least two places. The cables are configured to be tensioned by the reel mechanism, and the effective length of the first cable is determined in part by the selected engagement position on the multi-position retainer, such that the relative tension in two zones may be adjusted. In one embodiment, only one end of the cables engage the reel mechanism, and the opposite end is anchored to the upper. In another embodiment, both ends of the cables engage the reel mechanism.

Abstract: A sports boot includes a sole fixed to an upper having an ankle portion and a forefoot portion. Lateral and medial articulating cable or lace guides are provided in the upper generally between the ankle portion and the forefoot portion. Each of the cable guides define a flexible and elongate arcuate channel for guiding the cable, preferably having fluted ends. Installation panels are provided adjacent each end of the flexible channels. An intermediate installation panel extends outwardly from the arcuate channel and does not significantly interfere with flexure of the arcuate channel. Therefore, the portion of the flexible channel away from the installation panels forms a natural hinge. The channel may be configured to flex such that the spacing between the ends of the channel may vary by more than three centimeters. The upper may be provided with deep U-shaped cutouts that generally co-extend with the U-shaped cable guide.

Abstract: A weight holding device includes a strap and a strap-separating component attached to the strap. The strap-separating component maintains a separation between two portions of said strap when a weight is suspended from said weight holding device. An optional handgrip may be included.

Abstract: A training device includes a sack into which weights may be inserted, and a tether. A method using a training device includes attaching the device to a person's leg, placing the sack on the ground, moving forward along the ground, and pulling the sack along the ground.

Abstract: A device for performing physical exercise includes a substantially rigid elongated pole, an elastic band comprising components for attaching the elastic band to the pole, and an anchor component for securing the elastic band to an external object.

Abstract: A sports boot and a method for constructing the sports boot are disclosed comprising a unitary body and an external upper assembly. In the current embodiment, the unitary body has a sole portion, an upper portion, and an ankle cuff portion, and comprises injection-molded ethylene vinyl acetate. The external upper assembly is of composite construction from relatively rugged materials, and, in a current embodiment, includes side panels, forefoot panels, and one or more instep panels. The external upper assembly is attached to the unitary body to form the boot.

Abstract: A device for performing physical exercise includes a substantially rigid elongated pole, an elastic band comprising components for attaching the elastic band to the pole, and an anchor component for securing the elastic band to an external object.

Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A flexible boot liner (100) having a flexible upper (101) and a semi-rigid sole (140) that provides durability, walkability, and a dimensionally stable fit within a boot (90). The sole includes a lasting board (160) that is fixedly attached to the upper and a nonskid outsole (142). Secondary cushioning devices such as an air cell (144) may also be incorporated into the sole. The upper is of hybrid construction including a relatively flexible bottom portion (120) thermoformed from an ethylene vinyl acetate foam that covers the foot and the malleoli of the user, and a semi-rigid upper portion (110) that wraps about the lower leg of the user. A strap assembly (150) is provided to secure the liner about the foot of the user.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strap assembly (150) for a sports boot (100), that includes a first strap (151) pivotally connected at one end to the boot heel portion (130), and a second strap (161) pivotally connected to the opposite side of the heel portion. A clasp (159) is provided that allows the first strap to be adjustably connected to the second strap. One or both of the straps are attached to the heel portion with a slider mechanism (180) that allows the proximal ends of the straps to be selectively adjusted. The slider mechanism includes a slider plate (181) attached to the boot upper (120) having a medial channel (184) with an elongate slot (186). A nut plate (200) is slidably disposed in the medial channel, and a screw (210) connects the strap to the nut plate.

Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 is provided that includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.